Light traffic observed along SLEX ahead of Maundy Thursday

Traffic along the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) remained lighter on Wednesday compared to previous years despite the Holy Week rush.

According to Raffy Tima’s report on “24 Oras,” SLEX operator STAR Tollway said traffic from Tuesday night until Wednesday noon stayed generally light.

The tollway operator attributed this to consecutive fuel price hikes, which led to an estimated 10% to 15% drop in average daily traffic.

While traffic flow was mostly smooth, a slight build-up was monitored near the Santo Tomas, Batangas exit due to ongoing road-curing works.

Earlier congestion at the Calamba exit has since been cleared.

Some minor accidents also caused temporary slowdowns, but these were immediately resolved.

STAR Tollway noted a significant decrease in the number of vehicles this Holy Week.

From the Magallanes Interchange, traffic remained light, with usual bottleneck areas such as Alabang, Tunasan, and Carmona staying clear.

Despite the lighter traffic, officials reminded motorists to observe speed limits to prevent accidents.

Meanwhile, motorists heading south are advised to take alternative routes as a portion of the EDSA Magallanes southbound lane will be closed starting 10 p.m. for road rehabilitation.

The closure will last until early Monday morning.

Motorists traveling from Makati to Pasay are advised to use the EDSA service road before the flyover, turn right to Chino Roces Avenue, then right again to Antonio Arnaiz Avenue, and finally left to Osmeña Highway before rejoining EDSA.

Authorities expect fewer vehicles in Metro Manila during Holy Week, making it an ideal time for the temporary closure.

In other parts of the country, road repairs have been suspended to minimize inconvenience to travelers.—Mariel Celine Serquiña/MCG, GMA News